Special to Iredell Free News

The Statesville Water Treatment Plant has three new certified C-Surface Operators.

Johnathan Powell, Harrison Smith and Keith Misenheimer received their certifications from the N.C. Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification in November.

To qualify, candidates must have six months of on-the-job training, attend a state-approved certification school for one week, and pass the state exam with a test score of 70 or higher. The exam is based on subjects that operators need to know, such as North Carolina public drinking water rules, general water systems knowledge, water quality, applied mathematics, chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, laboratory testing procedures, hydraulics, pumping systems, water storage facilities, system controls, backflow prevention, and distribution system operation.

“Learning the plant and how it runs is a challenge since water conditions change from day to day, or even hour to hour,” stated Harry Hull, water plant supervisor. “These operators had never worked in a water plant; yet they committed themselves to learning from seasoned operators, while studying material for the exam to obtain their license. We are very proud of their achievements.”

The City of Statesville’s Water Plant is located at 232 Pump Station Road and is permitted to treat 15 million gallons per day. The facility can utilize either the South Yadkin River or the Catawba River for raw water sources. The combined raw water capacity for the city totals 22 million gallons per day.